Zytronic has announced a next-generation controller architecture for its PCT based touch screens and sensor products, to be distributed in Australia by JEA Technologies .

The new architecture:

increases speed and accuracy

streamlines system integration

saves 55% of PCB space; and

provides a platform for innovative touch features that add extra value to Human-Machine Interface (HMI) applications.

The new ZXY100 controllers are fully compatible with all of Zytronic’s PCT touch screens and sensor products, and are driven by a new 32-bit ARM microprocessor.

This enables faster touch detection and enhanced responsiveness in both direct touch and through-glass sensing.

Zytronic will be releasing new firmware in conjunction with the new controllers, that will allow the generation of one or two simultaneous touch points on touch panels and sensors, enabling customers to develop dual-touch or gesture recognition applications.

The new firmware has been designed to be inherently compatible with Windows 7, allowing for the use of the basic in-built Microsoft touchscreen driver (HID) or Zytronic’s fully configurable driver (UPDD).

Zytronic can also release the controller Output Protocol for those customers aiming to produce their own application specific touch drivers.

Other benefits of the new controller will include in-field firmware upgrade capability via on board Flash memory.

In addition to the ARM microprocessor, the new range of controllers will incorporate an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).

The ASIC has been custom designed to consolidate a number of key analogue components into a single, small 7 x 7mm chip.

This enables for a substantial reduction in controller dimensions, and if required facilitates the supply of the controller in chip-set form to allow integration of the PCT touch sensor controller onto a customer motherboard in higher volume and small form and factor applications.

There are three new ZXY100 controllers in the range.

The smallest is a 32-channel unit to be used with 5-20 inch touch screens and sensors, measuring 54mm x 34mm.

A larger 64-channel controller for 20-50 inch sensors is also being released, and for the first time, Zytronic are releasing an all new 128-channel device for touch screens and sensors larger than 50 inches.

The 128-channel controller which is expected to be available by Summer 2010. Each will be available with either USB or Serial connectivity.

Ian Crosby, Zytronic’s sales and marketing director says that the new ZXY100 controllers will deliver excellent performance, reliability, ease of integration and accuracy on all PCT touch screens and touch panels, irrespective of size.

“In addition, the provision of dual-touch supporting firmware for the first time will allow PCT customers increased scope to develop new and powerful applications,” he adds.

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